Roaches and Asthma

According to the New York Times, one-third of children living in inner-city public housing have allergic asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease and also one that affects the poor at a much larger number.

Photo courtesy of babble.com

However, a team of scientists from Boston University’s School of Medicine discovered what the particular allergen that affects most of these inner city children is- roaches.

The finding is important because it was able to isolate exactly what the allergen is and that makes it easier to reach an appropriate treatment for the many children who suffer from allergic asthma.



To read the complete article visit:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07asth.html?ref=health

To learn more about allergic asthma go to:
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/allergic-asthma

Air pollution and fetal development

A new study suggests air pollution from car exhaust may lead to smaller birth weight. Although the findings are not conclusive they do suggest there is a link. The negative impact of air pollution could have a negative impact both early and late in a pregnancy.

Photo courtesy of breathepureair.com

Lead researcher David Q. Rich, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, told WebMD that he and his colleagues examined birth certificates and hospital discharge records for nearly 336,000 babies born full-term in New Jersey between 1999 and 2003.

The results showed that air pollutants seem to play a role in the size of the babies delivered.

To read the whole story go to:
http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20090409/air-pollution-may-lead-smaller-babies

Study finds there is such a thing as "good" body fat

The Washington Post reports a new obesity theory, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests just as there is good and bad cholesterol there are good and bad types of body fat. Scientists thought the fat only played an important role in keeping infants warm but that by adulthood it was inactive or gone.

Photo courtesy of cornell.edu

Bad fat is typically white or yellowish but the good fat is brown. If scientists learn more about this particular fat and its role in adults then one possibility would be a pill. The pill, according to researchers, would stimulate a specific protein to release more energy from the fat cells.

To read the complete story go to:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040803231_2.html

Oral allergy syndrome

If you suffer from seasonal allergies and have ever experienced itchiness or hives in your mouth, lips or throat then you may have oral allergy syndrome.

According to CNN, oral allergy syndrome may help explain why some people are allergic to raw apples but not cooked ones. The reason would be because there are proteins in raw apples that are similar to protein in birch pollen.

Photo couretsy of apeda.com
However, it shouldn’t be confused with food sensitivities. If all year long you are sensitive to a particular food then chances are it is not oral allergy syndrome

To read the complete article go to:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/08/oral.allergy.syndrome/index.html

For more on oral allergy syndrome:
http://www.beyondallergy.com/food-allergies/oas.php

Does organic really mean safer?

Organic products and supermarkets have been popping up all around the country as an increasing amount of people try to find new ways to get fit and healthy. But is paying sometimes 50% more for a product that is certified organic really ensure it is safer? Not necessarily.

Photo courtesy of quackwatch.org

The New York Times that peanut butter plants in Texas and Georgia that were sending out products contaiminated with salmonella had something else (aside from rodents and mold) - an federal organic certification.

Part of the problem are the inspectors. Acccording to NYTimes.com "Organics has grown from an $11 billion business in the United States in 2001 to one that now generates more than $20 billion in sales, so the stakes for farmers, processors and certifiers can be high. But the agency overseeing the certifying process has long been considered underfunded and understaffed. Critics have called the system dysfunctional."


For the complete story go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/dining/04cert.html?pagewanted=1&ref=nutrition

Vitamin E and your lungs

Vitamin E is not only a beneficial antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body but it can also cut in half the risk of lung cancer in women, according to a study from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Photo courtesy of about.com

Health.com reports a type of viatamin E known as alpha-tocopherol that is found in foods like Swiss chard and almonds can help reduce the risk of lung cancer.

For more information of the study visit-

http://living.health.com/2009/03/23/vitamin-that-protects-your-lungs/

To learn more about the benefits of vitamin E visit-

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/vitamin-e.asp

A large waist and your lungs

A large waistline may be making your lungs gasp for air. According to the New York Times, "researchers who reviewed the health of 120,000 people in France found that those who were obese around the abdomen had worse lung function."

Photo courtesy of safecomputingtips.com

Anything larger than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is considered too large and can put you at risk.

The decrease of lung function could lead to cardiovascular disease in the future as well as many other health issues.

To read the complete story go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/health/17patt.html?ref=health

To read the complete published study go to:
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/179/6/509

Researchers say the brain begins aging before 30

New research by the University of Virginia shows that mental abilities peak at 22. The decline? It may begin as early as 27.

According to healthnews.com, the study included 2,000 men and women from ages of 18 to 60. The participants were asked to solve visual puzzles, repeat words and remember story details. They were also asked to recognize patterns.

Photo courtesy of newseek.com

The studies objective was to better learn how the brain functions and when mental ability peaks. They hope this will offer more insight into how Alzheimers and other illness' work.

To read the complete story go to:
http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/aging-getter-older/brain-aging-starts-before-age-thirty-2817.html

New hope for allergy sufferers

According to Web MD, doctors report early success with a new approach that would shorten the course of treatment for allergy sufferers.

Doctors hope that a shorter course of allergy shots will build up an allergy suffers' immune system and help with the allergies. This is known as immunotherapy. It’s the idea that someone with allergies to food or pollen can build up their immune system by being given small amounts of allergen.

Photo courtesy of treehugger.com

Although it is still early, the company developing the shots hopes to apply for FDA approval of the product in the next year and have already applied for approval in the European Union.

To read the full story and get more details visit:
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20090318/new-hope-for-pollen-milk-allergies

Obesity and life expectancy

With over half of the population overweight and obesity on the rise it is clear by now that American's need to change their relationship with food.

The dangers related to obesity include type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and a dozen other complications not only physical but emotional.

Photo courtesy of sstbw.com

CNN reports that a recent study found obesity can shorten lifespan by two to four years and severe obesity can shorten your lifespan up to ten. The study was published in the journal The Lancet.

To read the complete article on CNN go to:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/18/healthmag.obesity.lifespan/index.html

To calculate your BMI and find out if your weight puts you at risk visit:
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

To learn more about the risks of obesity visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/Obesity/

"Talk and Die" Syndrome

Most people at some point in their lives have bumped their head. Many of us feel fine afterwards and continueour day without realizing the potential damage that may have been caused. After the death of actress Natasha Richardson from a fall at a ski resort, many people have taken a second look at the threats of head injuries.

Photo courtesy of ecureme.com

According to CNN, an epidural hemorrhage is when blood gets trapped between the skull and the hard layer of skin between the bone and brain. This puts pressure on the brain and can be deadly. Many doctors refer to it as “talk and die” syndrome because the patient usually seems fine and then deteriorates rapidly. It is important to get treated quickly after a head injury even if you have no symptoms because the swelling is irreversible and the damage is usually permanent.

To read the complete story go to:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/18/brain.injury/index.html

For more information on epidural hemorrhages and the symptoms visit:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/248840-overview

Blushing and the increased risk for cancer

Many people, particularly from East Asian ancestry, blush when they drink alcohol. The blushing is caused by an inherited deficiency in an enzyme called ALDH2, according to the New York Times, and may increase the risk for throat cancer according to researchers.

Photo Courtesy of warsawtraveltours.com

It’s not just heavy drinkers that are at risk because even half a bottle of beer can cause the reaction. The flushing response usually comes with nausea and a rapid heart beat and people who have two beers a day have six to 10 times higher risk for esophageal cancer than someone without the enzyme deficiency.

To read the complete article go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/health/research/21alcohol.html?_r=1&ref=health

To learn more about ALDH2 deficiency go to:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=507646

"Brazilian" waxing may pose health hazard

The state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling in New Jersey is considering a ban on all Brazilian waxing after two women were hospitalized for infections. Brazilian waxes have increased in popularity in the last year and although the Board of Cosmetology only allows waxing of arms, legs, face, neck and abdomen the rule was never really enforced when it came to so called "Brazilian" waxing.

Photo couretsy of methodsofhealing.com

USA Today reported the story and says the procedure costs between $40-$50 and because the area is so sensitive to hot wax it can become irritated causing a rash, ingrown hair and infection. Traditional bixini waxes will not be banned. The earliest ban could begin in May which will likely mean a drop in sales for business owners who provide the service.


To read the complete story and get more details regarding the ban go to:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-19-brazilian-wax_N.htm

To learn more on hair removal options and their safety visit:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/for-women-only-best-options-for-hair-removal

Doodling: Not only fun but good for your memory!

A study in the United Kingdom found that people who doodle while listening to a recording or lecture had a 29 percent better recall of what they heard then those who didn’t doodle.

Researchers asked 40 volunteers to listen to a monotone telephone recording. The participants were asked to listen for the name of party goers. Half were asked to doodle while listening and half were asked not to. The group that doodled had significant improvement in remembering the names of party goers. The findings were published in Applied Cognitive Psychology Journal.

Photo courtesy of gettyimages.com

So next time you find yourself in a boring class or conference call… doodle!

To read the complete story and get all the details go to:
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/02February/Pages/Doesadoodlehelpthenoodle.aspx

This is a good interview Newsweek did with psychologist Jackie Andrade of the University of Plymouth in England who conducted the study:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/186738?from=rss

Yet another reason to drink milk...

We all have seen the campaigns raving about the benefit of calcium and encouraging people to drink milk regularly. A study just released, and featured in the New York Times, of nearly half a million people concluded that older women and men who consume large amounts of calcium were at a reduced risk for developing digestive cancers.

Photo courtesy of agric.wa.gov.

Researchers also found that women who consume large levels of calcium also have a overall reduced risk for cancer. Dairy foods are also rich in vitamin D and conjugated linoleic acid which are anti-carcinogenic nutrients.


The NYTimes.com has the complete story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/health/25cancer.html?_r=1&ref=health

For the facts and benefits of calcium and how much is recommended visit:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp

Artificial Sweeteners: Helpful if used properly

Although it seems artificial sweeteners have made their way into every coffee shop, restaurant and supermarket only about 15% of Americans actually use them regularly.




Photo courtesy of ksl.com

Many refuse to switch over to artificial sweeteners claiming the taste is not the same and they can not get use to it.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewed 224 professional studies done regarding the effects of sweeteners on appetite and weight management. The studies concluded artificial sweeteners may aid with weight loss.
However, sweeteners only aid in weight loss if they are used properly and are not used as an excuse to eat high calorie foods. Doing this, the report noted, could have the reverse effect and actually cause weight gain.

For the complete story go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/health/17brod.html?ref=health

This site has great information on the possible side effects of sweeteners and much more useful information:
http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/article.htm

Common toxic plastic may delay pregnancy

A new study suggests that plastics found in common household and personal care items such as carpets, food packaging and clothing may be lowering your chances of getting pregnant.

These items are suppose to be "phased out" by 2010, according to the Washington Post, but they stay in the enviornment for much longer. The chemicals in the plastic are known as perfluorinated chemicals and a recent study conducted on animals found that the chemicals are toxic to the liver and other organs.

Photo courtesy of healthday.com

To find out what common items contain these toxic chemicals and how you can protect yourself visit:

http://www.pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/pfcs

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/pfos.pfoas-page.htm

Tips to prevent the Flu & Colds

We have all experienced some, if not all, of the symptoms associated with a cold or the flu: runny nose, fever, aching chest and sneezing. There are many known ways to treat a cold but here are some tips to naturally prevent a cold or flu from keeping you down during the cold winter months:

Photo courtesy of abc-of-yoga.com

1. Wash your hands: Your hands touch everything and carry tons of germs so make sure to keep them clean


2. Don't touch your face with dirty hands: Germs enter many times through your nose, mouth and eyes so avoid touching your face as much as possible


3. Sleep!- If your body is tired it will be more difficult for it to fight of germs and infections


4. Exercise- Working out can boost and keep your immune system strong.

For more tips on how to naturally prevent a cold or flu go to:

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/12-tips-prevent-cold-flu

For tips on how to get better (if you already have a cold or get them easily):

http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20250939,00.html

How effective are vitamins?

About half of all Americans take a daily multivitamin or supplement. It’s become part of many of our lives. Walk into any GNC and you will be bombarded with different vitamin options and more recently “Vita-Paks” that are suppose to contain all your vitamin needs for a day.

Photo courtesy of aloeveraibs.com

But does it work? A new research shows that daily multivitamin use doesn’t help prevent cancer or heart disease. The New York Times reported that in the “study 161,808 women who were part of the government-funded Women’s Health Initiative research effort... [and] doctors from 40 centers around the country collected data on multivitamin use. While research shows that people who eat nutrient-rich diets filled with fruits and vegetables have lower rates of heart disease and cancer, it hasn’t been clear whether taking a daily supplement results in a similar benefit.”

Photo courtesy of visiblehealth.co.uk

So why all the hype? Why do we continue to believe that a pill can cure and prevent all our aliments? It might be the need for many of us to take the easy way out when it comes to our health or the persuasive ad campaigns that lead us to believe that a simple pill will make us look and feel better.

If you want to read more about vitamins and supplements CNN has a great health section with all the latest news:

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/supplements/NU00198.html

The New York Times also has a good health section with tips to stay healthy:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/health/17well.html?_r=1&ref=science

Think shopping makes you happy? Think again..

Ever go shopping to make yourself feel better after a rough day or to just cheer yourself up? Well, according to a recent San Francisco State University study the average happiness a new purchase brings lasts only about six to eight weeks but no more than three months.

Photo courtesy of pinkmascara.com

However, according to that same study the experience from a trip or event can keep making you feel happy for years.

Photo courtesy of codinghorror.com

Moral of the story: next time you feel like cheering yourself up go out to dinner or take a trip instead of buying that new purse or shoes you probably don’t need!

To read the complete story go to : http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/10/happiness.possessions/index.html

Also, check out this cool website for creative trip ideas. This site has lists of the best and worst cities to travel to and much more!
http://www.roadjunky.com/article?c=Travel-Ideas

Quit Smoking: For your pet?

Unless you have lived under a rock for the past decade or so you have heard and seen all the ad campaigns and studies giving smokers a million reasons to quit. Many ads urge you to quit for your own health, the health of your family and of those around you but what about the health of your pet?

Photo Courtesy of: www.uoguelph.ca

A recent survey of 3,300 pet owners, published in the journal of Tobacco Control earlier this week, found that one in three pet owners would consider quitting for the sake of their beloved pet’s health.




Photo Courtesy of: www.boroondara.vic.gov.au


So if you are a smoker who hasn’t been able to kick the habit for the sake of your own health may be the health of your pet will be just the motivation you need to quit!


Here are a few tips to help you stay smoke-free:

• Have faith in yourself and your ability to quit. Where there is a will there is a way!
• Write down all the reasons why you want to quit and all the negative consequences smoking has on your health. Read the list everyday and remind yourself of why you need to quit.
• Talk to your doctor about quitting and ask for guidance and support.
  

This website contains easy tips and information on quitting:
http://www.quitsmoking.com/info/articles/20tips.htm

And for information on alternative ways to quit check out this site:
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=5523&cn=105

CNN featured a story on this topic and the survey conducted in their living well section:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/11/health.pet.smoker/index.html

The Effect of Colors

A color may have a variety of meanings. The color red may represent passion, danger or luck for some. Ancient Egyptians and Chinese used a technique called chromotherapy, or color therapy. This technique is still used by some today as an alternative form of treatment for a variety of diseases.

Photo courteesy of :www.manobluedesign.com

Colors in your home and work area may affect your mood, therefore you should be selective when it comes to the colors you surround yourself with. Here are a few examples of classic colors and their effects on your mood:

Photo courtesy of :www.justjaime28.wordpress.com

• For energy try red or violet- These colors are stimulating and warm.

• For an upbeat effect try green or yellow- These fun and vibrant colors are certain to give you a much needed boost.
  
  
• For a calm effect try blue- This soothing color will likely remind you of the sky or sea and is a great color to relax.
  
  

Information found from:
http://health.msn.com/your-best-life/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100232150&gt1=31043

http://psychology.about.com/od/sensationandperception/a/colorpsych.htm

Secrets to Aging Well

We are all going to age sooner or later, the trick is to age later rather than sooner! Most people know the basics to looking and feeling healthy:

• Exercise



• Sleep well



• Have a positive attitude



• Do not smoke or drink alcohol



• Take the right vitamins

Photo courtesy of: happyhomemaker88.wordpress.com

However, there are a few other, more creative, ways to help you age gracefully and live better. These tips are easy and can make all the difference if you follow them properly:

• Have a social life- Whether your social life is made up of friends, family or a church or group it is important for your well being, according to a recent Harvard study.



• Keep your mind active- Learn something new often and read



• Get a pet- Studies show that pet owners live less stressful lives and are usually happier.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/secrets-of-aging-well.html

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/secrets-of-aging-well?page=2

Boost your Self Confidence

Have trouble speaking up in front of a crowd? Does meet new people scare you? Are you constantly doubting your abilities and talents? If any of these apply to you then you need a confidence boost! Here are a few easy ways to improve your self confidence:

1. Think positive and productive thoughts- a self defeating attitude will only diminish your confidence
2. Remind yourself of your good qualities
3. Act and speak like a confident person- eventually it will become a habit
4. Don't dwell on mistake or failures- the faster you move on the easier it will be to stay optimistic and be confident
5. Eat right and exercise often

Photo courtesy of: bournemouthhypnotherapy.co.uk

http://www.funonthenet.in/articles/tips-improve-self-confidence.html

http://betterlife-seeker.com/selfimprovement/three-simple-ways-to-improve-self-confidence-now/

http://www.psychology4all.com/SelfConf.htm

Tips to brighten up your day

Many of us find ourselves in a negative state of mind. Everyday stressors begin to take a toll and it seems everyone around us is feeling the same way. However, you can fight everyday stress and negativity with a few quick and simple tricks!

• Think of positive people or events that have happened
  
• Avoid negative words and conversations
• Take deep breaths and avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of your day
• Surround yourself with positive influences and surroundings
• Give yourself a break! Don't take mistakes or faults to seriously.
  

http://www.evolvingtimes.com/2007/08/10-tips-for-staying-positive-around-negative-people.htm
http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2007/09/10/15-tips-to-stay-positive-in-negative-situations/

Panic Attacks: You're not alone

Difficulty breathing, dizziness, heart palpitations, trembling, sweating... if you have felt any of these symptoms lately while shopping, working or during moments of stress you might have suffered a panic attack. Panic attacks may occur once or several times during a person's lifetime and may occur during stressful periods or while relaxed.
Some causes of panic attacks may be:

1. Family history
2. Drug or alcohol abuse
   
3. Chemical imbalances in the brain

Photo courtesy of mental-emotionalhealth.com

Home treatment, such as relaxation techniques or exercise, may work for people who are healthy and do not have severe attacks. For people with other health conditions, medical attention may be a more appropriate treatment option.
Medical attention includes a variety of prescribed drugs as well as regular follow ups with a physician to monitor progress.


http://www.emedicinehealth.com/panic_attacks/page8_em.htm
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-panic-disorder
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/panic_disorder_anxiety_attack_symptom_treatment.htm

When food becomes everything

Approximately 8 million people in the United States suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders usually manifest themselves during the teenage years and early adulthood years but they may develop at any time. Some of the symptoms are:

• Dramatic weight loss in a short period of time
• Feeling guilt after eating
• Isolation- avoids eating around others
  
• Hiding food
• Low self esteem
• Mood swings
  
• Depression
• Fatigue

Photo courtesy of stanford.edu

Eating disorders are difficult to cure and are usually a life long struggle. Common treatments include a combination of individual or group therapy, nutrition counseling and even hospitalization for more severe cases. The key to overcoming an eating disorder is to get help as soon as possible.

Photo courtesy of sfu.ca

http://www.something-fishy.org/isf/signssymptoms.php
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/eatingdisorders/stats.html
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm

"I have such a bad memory!"

Many of us go through life missing appointments, birthdays and losing valuables assuming there is nothing we can do about our “bad memory.”
Although it is undeniable that many of us do have an easier time remembering things, there are certain memory enhancing exercises that can make all the difference!

1. Eat right and get rest- If your body is tired it will have a difficult time concentrating and remembering.
2. Relate information- When learning something new try to connect to something you already know well. Giving yourself small hints can help you remember new information more easily.
3. Stay organized- Try to keep and learn information in order and it will be easier for you to remember it in the future.
4. Be positive! - If you constantly tell yourself “I’ll never remember” or “I just have a bad memory” then chances are you will never improve.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Info-on-Improving-Memory-Through-Various-Natural-Methods&id=336392

http://www.helpguide.org/life/improving_memory.htm

Meditation 101

Everyday stress reaching new heights for many of us, learning how to relax should be an essential part of our everyday lives. One great way to relax is by meditating. Meditation is simple and can help alleviate tension wherever you are in matter of minutes!

Photo courtesy of: http://www.simplepleasurz.com/

Below are four simple meditation techniques that can make all the difference when you’re feeling stressed and anxious:

Deep breathing- Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale slowly. Clear your mind of all other thoughts and focus only on the breaths you are taking.

Sense your body- Close your eyes and visualize yourself and the various parts of your body that feel tired or are in pain.

Repeat a word or phrase- Repeating a comforting phrase or word out loud can help comfort and relieve tension.

Focus- Clear your mind by focusing on an object, image or sound that you find appealing or relaxing. It may be difficult at first but if you manage to focus all your energy on something soothing for a few minutes it can help clear your mind.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/

http://www.mindtools.com/stress/RelaxationTechniques/Meditation.htm

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm

How debt may be affecting more than your bank account

Millions of Americans are feeling the devastating effects of a slowing economy. Millions of jobs and homes have been lost and rising credit card debt has made it difficult for many to sleep well at night. Although everyone has experienced some level of stress and its side effects, intense stress can have serious consequences on your body and mind.






Image courtesy of: astrologeometry.com

Major stress can lead to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Ulcers
• Heart attacks
• Insomnia
  

Three out of every four families in the U.S are in debt, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances. The increasing amount of debt and the stress it causes can be emotionally draining but doesn't have to take over your life!
Here are a few tips to help you cope with debt related stress:

• Attitude is everything! Don't beat yourself up over something that is already done. Instead think positive, reassuring thoughts and work towards getting organized and paying back your debt at a resonable, comfortable pace.
  
• Keep a journal- Write down everything from your spending habits to any negative thoughts you may be feeling. Keeping a journal can help you relieve stress and look at situations in a more objective manner.
  
• Stay healthy- eat well, exercise and get plenty of sleep. Keeping your body healthy will also have an effect how you think and feel.
  
• Have a plan- Create a plan for getting out of debt. A clear plan can help you feel more empowered and in control which may help keep stress to a minimum.

http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/the-debt-stress-connection

http://www.fastupfront.com